Wild Horse Round-Up Ride, Sierra Baguales in Chile

Through the wild Sierra Baguales into Torres del Paine, where baguales horses still roam

A point-to-point riding journey through Chilean Patagonia, from the remote Sierra Baguales, named for its herds of wild baguales horses, south across Estancia Las Chinas and into Torres del Paine National Park. You ride locally bred Criollo and Chilean-cross horses across open plains made for long canters, beneath the granite towers of the Paine massif and among guanaco, condors and the occasional puma, ending near the Grey Glacier. Nights are in glamping domes, remote estancias and lodges. It is arranged through specialist riding agents rather than booked direct.

Highlights

Ride through the wild Sierra Baguales and into Torres del Paine National Park
Open Patagonian plains made for long canters, beneath the granite Paine massif
Wildlife along the way: herds of guanaco, soaring condors and, with luck, a puma
Locally bred Criollo and Chilean-cross horses, fit and forward-going
Nights in glamping domes, remote estancias and lodges, ending near the Grey Glacier

The riding

Ability

Intermediate to experienced

Tack

South American stock saddles

Terrain

Open Patagonian plains, southern beech forest, river valleys and the mountains of Torres del Paine

Hours a day

Around 4 to 9 hours a day, with some long days

Pace

Moderate and varied, with good open going for long canters

Rider weight limit

90 kg

Group

A small group, a maximum of eight riders

The riding style is South American, get on and go, and you cover many miles a day over open country, so you need to be riding fit and secure at all paces. Patagonian weather changes fast and can be challenging, so resilience helps. It is not suitable for beginners or nervous riders.

The horses

CriolloChilean cross

Locally bred Criollo and Chilean-cross horses, fit, sure-footed and forward-going, well used to the terrain and the weather.

A typical day

From a base of glamping domes in the Sierra Baguales, the ride works its way south over several days, through remote estancias and into Torres del Paine, with long canters across open plains and picnic lunches out on the trail. You may see herds of guanaco, soaring condors and, with luck, a puma, and the week ends near the Grey Glacier.

Accommodation & food

A mix of comfortable glamping domes, remote family estancias and lodges, chosen for their locations: warm and dry rather than boutique.

All meals are included, with picnic lunches on the trail and wine at dinner.

When to go

Best months: Late October to March

The far-southern riding season runs from late October to late March, on set departure dates.

Getting there

Nearest airport: Puerto Natales (PNT) or Punta Arenas (PUQ), reached via Santiago

Transfers: The ride starts and ends around Puerto Natales, with group transfers to and from the mountains included

Fly to Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales via Santiago.

What's included

Included

All riding, guiding and equipment
Accommodation in domes, estancias and lodges
All meals, with wine at dinner
Group transfers and National Park fees

Not included

Flights and travel to Puerto Natales
Travel and medical insurance (compulsory)
Extra drinks, tips and personal items
Single supplement, where available

Good to know

Rider weight limit 90 kg (about 14 st 2 lb)
Maximum eight riders; minimum age around 16
Long days and fast, changeable Patagonian weather, so come riding fit and well prepared
Arranged through specialist riding agents rather than booked direct
Indicative price from around USD 6,990 (roughly GBP 5,300) for six nights